Death of model forces difficult conversation about divorce in India

The tragic death of 33-year-old influencer and model Twisha Sharma has ignited a crucial conversation in India about divorce and the pressures women face in unhappy marriages. Sharma died just months after her wedding, with ongoing police investigations considering both alleged murder and suicide.

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I was so, so, so lucky in each and every way. I had the full support of my family

Her death has brought to the forefront the societal challenges women encounter when seeking to end toxic relationships. Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta addressed the Supreme Court, advocating for parental support in helping women leave abusive situations. "It is better to have a divorced daughter than a dead one," he stated, emphasizing that when a woman expresses extreme unhappiness, prioritizing her safety over maintaining the marriage is paramount.

India has one of the lowest divorce rates globally, with societal expectations often pressuring women to "adjust" and remain in difficult or harmful relationships to preserve family honor. Data from the 2011 census indicated that only about 0.1 percent of the population was divorced.

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If they hadn't supported me, where would I have lived? I would have had to live in the same house with the guy and face the problems.

Businesswoman Souparna Arora, 45, shared her experience as one of the fortunate Indian women who managed to leave an abusive marriage. She credits her parents' unwavering support for enabling her escape. "If they hadn't supported me, where would I have lived? I would have had to live in the same house with the guy and face the problems," Arora said.

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It is better to have a divorced daughter than a dead one

Similarly, Kavita Chabra, an Indian Australian who divorced her husband after two years of marriage, became the first in her family to do so. Despite facing internal struggles and societal expectations, she found the decision difficult but ultimately necessary. "As a South Asian woman, divorce wasn't an easy decision," Chabra stated. She initially tried to be patient and rebuild the relationship, but the situation worsened, leading her to conclude that ending the marriage was the right path.

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One thing is clear, that the girl has lost her life, whether it is by suicide or by any other criminal [act]. When she is repeatedly saying that 'I am living in a hell, please save me', better to make that call rather than losing the daughter.